Justification:
Listed as Vulnerable because its extent of occurrence is less than 20,000 km², all individuals are in fewer than ten locations, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in the Maciço de Baturité.

It was very common within its small range, and often found at numerous localities since it was first described up until 1993; however, from 1994 to 2003 there were 34 surveys of the same sites and not a single individual was found, until in July 2004 three individuals were recorded.

Most specimens have been found in dry or moist leaf-litter on the ground, in bromeliads, and stream margins in reasonably well-preserved closed forests. However, it can also survive in shaded coffee plantations. It is a diurnal species that breeds by direct development, and the eggs are probably deposited in wet spots on the ground.

The major threat is habitat loss due to logging, agriculture, and human settlement. The very good soils and favourable climate of the area are encouraging agricultural expansion, and the species is unable to survive in the banana plantations that are rapidly taking over the area.

It is not known from any protected areas, and there is clearly a need for improved habitat protection at sites where this species is known to occur. Further survey work is needed to determine whether or not this species is experiencing a decline, or whether or not it is just undergoing natural population fluctuations.

Hoogmoed, M.S., Borges, D.M. and Cascon, P. 1994. Three new species of the genus Adelophryne (Amphibia: Anura: Leptodactylidae) from northeastern Brazil, with remarks on the other species of the genus. Zoologischer Mededelinger Leiden: 271-300.